The Prime Minister, Mr. Pravind Jugnauth, proceeded this Tuesday, October 11, 2022 to the inauguration of the Sir Anerood Jugnauth Square in Port Mathurin. This event is part of the official celebrations marking the twentieth anniversary of the autonomy of the island of Rodrigues.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, Mr. Johnson Roussety, and other dignitaries of the island. Lady Sarojini Jugnauth was also among the guests at the ceremony.
In his speech, the Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of the Chief Commissioner of the island, the members of the Regional Assembly and the people of Rodrigues to honor the memory of Sir Anerood Jugnauth by naming the square in the heart of Port Mathurin after him.
Mr. Pravind Jugnauth recalled the contribution of Sir Anerood Jugnauth to the socio-economic development of Rodrigues over the past decades and his decisive role in the advent of the autonomy of the island.
“My Rodriguan brothers and sisters, Sir Anerood has always believed in your will and determination to serve your island. He was right,” he said.
Sir Anerood, said the Prime Minister, had spoken in favor of the autonomy of Rodrigues for the first time in March 1982 because he was convinced of the ability of our fellow Rodriguans to take their destiny in hand.
During his various mandates as Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth was at the origin of several major political, economic, social and infrastructural developments in Rodrigues. Among the major achievements that bear the imprint of Sir Anerood Jugnauth are the expansion of the Plaine Corail airport, the development of the port, the construction of several schools, health centers and police stations, the construction of the Cotton Bay Hotel, the introduction of television and the installation of the first desalination units.
The Prime Minister attributed the success of Rodrigues to its people who, through their resilience and perseverance, have achieved much progress in the last twenty years.
“While we have a special thought for Sir Anerood on the occasion of the anniversary of autonomy, let us not forget that without the work of the leaders of Rodrigues, this transformation would not have materialized,” said Mr. Pravind Jugnauth.
The Prime Minister reiterated the commitment of his government to continue the development of the island. He mentioned recent projects to modernize the island, such as the transformation of the airport, the introduction of high-speed internet with the MARS fiber optic cable and the construction of a new fire station in Mon Plaisir.
The head of government also welcomed the new initiatives of Rodriguans to develop fishing, agriculture and SMEs, while recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of women entrepreneurs in Rodrigues.
In a global context marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the Prime Minister called for unity so that our Republic can continue its march towards progress and development.
